AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He hesitated for a moment. That put some worry in Matilda because if he wasn’t willing to nab the books for her, then it meant that he wasn’t as willing to fight for her as she thought. But then he said, “Yes, of course. It is your right to read, your only passion. I have no ties here in Hardon. I am not afraid to lose my job if it means helping you get back what means the most to you.”
It almost made Matilda want to cry. His words were almost like poems themselves. And the way he cared about her; she had never experienced anyone like that before, even from her own parents.
Ann did not say anything to ruin their moment, whichsaid a lot about her loyalty to Matilda. She did feel bad, making her a witness to something that would surely anger her mother and father. But it was in Matilda’s determination to not get caught. Her books meant way too much to her to let it all fail.
“Why do you care so much, Aaron?” Matilda asked.
He shrugged. “Because you cared enough to talk to me about yourself the other night. And to me, that’s as valuable as any diamond.”
Matilda could feel her face going red. “I will see you again, Aaron.”
“The next time will be poetic.”
They both laughed, and it looked as though Ann wanted to throw up in revulsion.
As Matilda and Ann walked back on their route to the house, Ann asked, “What is it that you find so fascinating about Aaron aside from his ability to say all the right things?”
Matilda copied Aaron and shrugged herself. “Remember when I asked you about love?”
“Yes, I do.”
“You had such a hard time finding the right explanation to convey to me just what that feeling feels like,andI couldn’t understand why that was so hard for you. Granted, you did eventually come up with some good examples that have actually helped me to understand. But when it comes to Aaron, I can’t explain it just as you couldn’t explain love. I find myself thinking of him at all hours of the day.”
Ann did not say anything right away, almost as if she had been taken aback by what she was hearing. It was like seeing her acknowledge the fact that Matilda was developing strong feelings for Aaron that could not be denied.
“You may have actually discovered something in him,” Ann said.
“It’s just nice to have someone in my life who shares my interests and values. I don’t get that with Charles. All he enjoys is hunting, drinking with his friends and politics like my father. When I am with Aaron, I feel appreciated. I don’t feel like I am some sort of accessory to his life. With Charles, I feel like I am nothing more than a thing expected to hang off his arm at parties and give children him children. I am far more than that.
It was then that Ann let out a laugh.
“Why is that funny?” Matilda asked.
“No reason.”
Neither lady said anything after that,and the silence was welcomed on Matilda’s end. It allowed her to think about Aaron some more.
She was not sure if it was dangerous to think that maybe, him getting books for her was something to place hope into. It did give him a reason to see her. And that meant that she would not have to go for long periods wondering about him. In many ways, it was the perfect plan.
Matilda worried only a little bit that Ann knew of everything. But the fact that they could talk about Aaron openly gave her hope that maybe she would not say anything.
Matilda had already lost everything. She had already had her freedom taken away. There was not much more that could happen. If Ann were to tell her mother, then Matilda would deny everything. And then what? What could her mother take away from her then? Nothing.
She was excited to read again. There were many things to be excited about, many things to be hopeful about once more. Sure, Ann had acted a tad bit peculiar, but Matilda’s entire life was peculiar.
They both arrived at the front of Hardon House, and Matilda gave the building a long look. She was going back to where her freedoms were severely limited. She would need to act a certain way around her mother, and things would not be pleasant. But for the first time since that terrible conversation, she felt like she was in control again. Even though she wasn’t, it was the hope that made her feel that way.
“Don’t get into any trouble,” Ann said before taking her leave.
“I won’t.” Matilda did not know if that was a lie or not. But she was not afraid to find out.
They both went their separate ways.
